A new report from Kampgrounds of America (KOA) reveals that, as COVID-19 restrictions ease, Canadian campers are ready and eager to get out and reconnect with nature and with each other.
Sixty-seven percent of surveyed campers say they want to get out and camp immediately or very soon. An estimated 3.1 million households plan to go camping this year, and more than 500,000 plan to camp for the first time, according to findings from a special Canada edition of the KOA Monthly Research Report. The study is a pulse check on camping industry indicators and the impact of the pandemic on camping behavior.
Canadian campers are optimistic for the 2021 camping season, with 51 percent planning to camp during the summer months now that restrictions are easing across the country. Seventy-seven percent of all campers are considering making up for some or all missed camping trips by taking more camping trips later this summer or fall.
More than half of all Canadian campers indicate COVID-19 restrictions limited their camping trips between March and mid-June 2021, when the survey was conducted. A majority of campers, 78 percent, said they had to change their camping plans due to COVID-related reasons. Even so, many campers are frustrated at not being able to camp so far this year. Two-thirds of campers think there should have been some loosening of restrictions by the Canadian government to allow for people to camp during the pandemic.
“Among the many barriers to travel last year, it’s encouraging to see that campers are eager to get out and start camping again, and even plan to make up for missed camping trips after a very trying year,” said Toby O’Rourke, president and CEO of KOA. “We know through our annual research that camping doesn’t just allow campers to escape the stress of everyday life, but contributes to emotional wellbeing through the ability to connect with nature, themselves and others. We believe this is more essential than ever and our campgrounds, owners and staff are ready to help people connect to the outdoors and each other through camping.”
